Top Bars in Tirana – Most Viewed (2025)
Discover Tirana's vibrant bar scene with rooftop cocktail bars around Skanderbeg Square, hidden speakeasies and terraces in Blloku, and lively wine bars and rakia houses in colorful neighborhoods. Experience craft beer taprooms in up-and-coming districts, sophisticated cocktail lounges in the city center, and traditional Albanian bars near the New Bazaar. From warm Albanian hospitality to contemporary mixology and street-side patios, Tirana blends Mediterranean energy, postmodern color, and creative nightlife in Albania's dynamic capital.
Nouvelle Vague is one of Tirana’s defining cocktail bars — conceived by brothers Sofokli and Evis Cali, it opened its doors in late 2012 and has since become a pillar of Albania’s evolving bar culture. More than just a bar, it positions itself as a “living cell” — ever-changing, organic, and tied to local identity. Over the years, Nouvelle Vague has expanded into multiple venues and even a cocktail van, while continuing to cultivate a loyal “Nouveller” community. The cocktail program is built around their signature menu “ORIGIN’AL”, which leans heavily into Albanian raw materials: native spirits (especially raki), local botanicals, and seasonal produce. Each cocktail in ORIGIN’AL comes with an inspiration and narrative, marrying regional tradition with high technique. Inside, expect a space that balances warmth and vibrancy: a long bar, seating nooks, a terrace (when weather permits), and design that feels expressive yet lived in. Music is a constant presence — reggae, funk, tropical, and eclectic grooves rotate through the night. Locals often praise the staff for personable service and the energy that makes the night feel alive. In 2023, Nouvelle Vague earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars (Extended List) as #86, underlining its growing international recognition. In sum: Nouvelle Vague is not just a place to drink in Tirana — it’s a creative expression of Albanian hospitality and craft, where locals and visitors find a space to share, explore, and taste with purpose.